At 12:00 PM on May 29, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat addressed Parliament during the second day of the special session to deliberate the 2026 budget bill. Responding to calls from some MPs to withdraw and revise the bill, he asserted that doing so would disrupt the fiscal timeline, making it impossible to implement the budget in time. He emphasized that the budget process includes mechanisms for flexible amendments to adapt to emerging circumstances.
Julapun countered opposition concerns, particularly those raised on May 28 regarding hypothetical risks. He said that such assumptions were flawed, citing how the U.S. courts had postponed implementing a presidential tax policy. He also noted that Thailand's Prime Minister had consulted his advisory team regarding international financial matters. Julapun said further analysis would be conducted during the committee stage, ensuring the final budget serves national interests.
He also rebutted remarks made by Natthapong Rueangpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party and opposition leader in Parliament, who suggested Thailand was becoming a “failed state.” Julapun strongly disagreed, stating that Thailand does not face civil war, maintains full governmental control, and has no border conflicts—core indicators of a failed state. He described such claims as political hyperbole, urging responsibility in political discourse.
Julapun warned that exaggerated negative portrayals of Thailand could damage the country’s global image. He acknowledged that critics are free to dislike the government but insisted that inflammatory language must be avoided, especially in Parliament. He concluded by reaffirming that Thailand is far from being a failed state and that such rhetoric should not be repeated.